Dharamshala came into being in 1849, when it was selected as a site to accommodate a native regiment that was being raised in the town. Dharamshala originally formed a subsidiary cantonment for the troops stationed at Kangra was fully occupied by its garrison and there was insufficient space for the civil station , a search for an alternate location was made. The ideal location for the cantonment was found at the slopes of the Dhauladhar, upon which stood an old Hindu sanctuary or ‘Dharamshala’ the name adopted for the town. Dharamshala stands at the foot of Dhauladhar and has a magnificent view of snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than any other hill station in India. Dharamshala now really has become international, with a number of Tibetan settlements and the residence of Noble Laureate the ‘Dalai Lama’. Dharamshala is divided into two distinct parts : lower Dharamshala the civil and business area with Courts and Kotwali bazaar and upper Dharamshala composed of places like McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj.
Dharamshala : General Information
Altitude: Varies between 1,250 meters to 1,650 meters.
Headquarter: Dharamshala (Headquarter of district Kangra)
Location: In district Kangra, in the heart of Dhauladhar range.
Access by Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal airport located 15 km. from Dharamshala. Other airports having regular service are: Jammu 200 km., Amritsar 210 km. and Chandigarh 260 km.
Access by Rail: Nearest broad gauge railhead is Pathankot 95 km. A narrow gauge railway line between Pathankot and Jogindernagar passes through Kangra, 17 km. from Dharamshala.
Access by Road: Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads.
Distance: Chandigarh 239 km., Delhi 514 km., Nangal 145 km., Jalandhar 166 km., Hoshiarpur 128 km., Mandi 147 km., Jwalamukhi 55 km., Kullu 214 km., Manali 252 km., Chamba 192 km. and Shimla 322 km.
Dharamshala or dharamsala is one of the ace tourist spots in himachal pradesh. Dharamshala offers the magnificent view of snow covered dhauladhar peaks. Dharamsala has a number of famous places around i.e.mcleodganj, dharamkot; triund etc. dharamshala has always been the attraction for tourists from abroad. There is also a newely built world-class cricket stadium in dharamsala. Dharamshala is also one of the fastest growing cities in himachal pradesh. There are a number of good hotels and restaurants in dharamsala.
Famous Places around Dharamshala:
McLeod Ganj: – The arrival of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, along with thousands of refugees to Dharamshala in 1959 made the life here more active. A number of Tibetan settlements with religious education and other rehabilitation centers mushroomed all over the Mcleadganj. As Dharamshala became the headquarter of the Tibetan Government in exile, headed by Dalai Lama, it gained prominence all over the world and prominent personalities started arriving here. Mcleod ganj emerged as a major Buddhist center.
St. John’s Church: – (8 km. from Dharamshala town) the church lies in the forest between McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj. It has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the viceroys of India, who died at Chauntra (Mandi district) and was buried here in 1863 A.D. The Church has lovely spotted glass windows and there is a Christian cemetery around it. It is ideally situated in the majestic ‘Deodar’ forest.
Dharamkot: – (14 km. from Dharamshala town) it is situated on the crest of a hill; this favorite picnic spot affords a panoramic view of the kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. One can reach Dharamkot by a simple trek from Bhagsu. Various small restaurant type of shops are situated in the path for a quick relaxation and beverages. The scenery from Dharamkot is simply breathtaking and you also meet the Gaddi folks.
War Memorial: – Situated in Dharamshala town. The memorial is situated near the entry point to Dharamshala commemorates the memory of those who fought valiantly for the honour and defence of the motherland. The place is ideally located in the pine forest. There is also a cafe just close to War Memorial serving fast food and beverages.
Triund: – 17 km. from Dharamshala town, at an altitude of 2,827 metres. The snowline starts just 5 km. from Triund and affords a breathtaking view of the snows above and the valley below. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot. Those who want to do a return trek in one day are advised to start early. Is is the famous trek route for local people as well as for tourists.
Kunal Pathari: – 3 km.) From Dharamshala (Kotwali Bazaar). A level walk from Kotwali Bazaar leads upto the rock temple of the local goddess.
Kareri: – (22 km.) Altitude 2,166 metres. Kareri Lake is surrounded by green meadows, Oak and Pine trees, making it an idyllic place to visit.
Dal Lake: – Lies amidst hills and deodar tress and is 11 km. from Lower Dhramshala. It is a starting point for excursion and trekking and is located next to Tibetan children’s village.
